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DisArmaggedon Army: modding god mode in/as serious games. Cynthia Haynes IT University of Copenhagen CCCC March 26, 2006. Pentagon, September 11, 2001. the birth of ‘god mode’. the birth of America’s Army computer game July 4, 2002. the birth of ‘faith-based computer games’.
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DisArmaggedon Army: modding god mode in/as serious games Cynthia Haynes IT University of Copenhagen CCCC March 26, 2006
Pentagon, September 11, 2001 the birth of ‘god mode’
the birth of America’s Army computer game July 4, 2002
eternal war: shadow of light (christian computer game) “death is gain”
We are witnessing a dramatic confluence of faith, politics, and gaming.
America’s Army Special Forces ‘the official U.S. Army game’ marketed as a ‘strategic communication tool’
U.S. Army NASCAR races recruiting event where America’s Army tournaments are held
America’s Army developers focus on key attributes personal growth teamwork leadership warrior ethos Army values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage)
“In order to increase the Army’s return on investment for the America’s Army strategic communications tool, the Army created the Government Applications Team to use the game’s technology for effective and engaging virtual learning.”
“In contrast to other popular computer games, in America’s Army limbs are never blown off...wounds are marked by a puff of red smoke.” (Seth Schiesel)
Lance Cpl. Jose Antonio Gutierrez first U.S. casualty of Iraq war killed by ‘friendly fire’ March 20, 2003
the task for game studies reading game studies rhetorically and reading game studies ludologically
which means... understanding the game as game understanding the game as moral (or not) but always (in the end) understanding war as play.
the following are‘god mode’ arguments against using America’s Army for recruiting purposes--against the ONE ARMY
Ludology must redraw the line between war . . . . and play.